Noise Exposure

Todd D. Zentner

WSSC Quarterly Meeting

February 17, 2010

Alliance Announcement

Headlines and Quotes

• Man thought hurt, but slightly dead

• Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors

• Enfields Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide

• “Solutions are not the answer.“ – R.N.

• "Sure there have been injuries and deaths in boxing - but none of them serious." 

Inspection Update

• Total Oil and Gas inspections for Region VIII in Fiscal Year 2010?

• Four total in Region VIII– Two from the Denver office– One citation issued for 1910.132(a)

Noise Exposure

Why it’s Important

• 30 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise on the job

• 48% of U.S. adults believe they have suffered some hearing loss

• 39% of adults have had a hearing test in the last three years

• Impact on life?

Effects on Life

• Tinnitus

• Problems with communication

• Feelings of isolation

• Difficulty concentrating

• Stress

• Increased blood pressure

• Accidents

OSHA Requirements

29 CFR 1910.95

• Requirements:

– Protection against noise exposure• 1910.95(a)

– Controls (Administrative/Engineering)• 1910.95(b)(1) and (b)(2)

– Hearing Conservation Program• 1910.95(c) through (n)

Noise Problem?

• Do you have to speak loudly? – Noise levels are likely above 80 dBA

• Do you have to shout? – Noise levels likely between 85 and 90 dBA

• Do you have to move close together to hear each other at all? – Noise probably greater than 95 dBA

Conduct a Survey

• Use a sound level meter to identify areas, operations, or tools where excessive noise exists

• Estimate length of time in certain areas or during the use of specific tools

• Additional monitoring may be necessary if the survey indicates noise levels in excess of 80 dBA

Survey Results

• Noise levels at or above 85 (Action Level) – Hearing Conservation Program required

• Noise levels exceed 90 (PEL) – Feasible engineering or administrative controls required

Hearing Conservation Program

• Must be implemented when employee exposures exceed 85 dBA for 8-hr TWA (regardless of PPE use)– Known as the “Action Level”

• Monitoring• Employee Notification• Observation of Monitoring• Audiometric Testing• Hearing Protectors• Hearing Protector Attenuation• Training Program• Recordkeeping

GUESS WHAT?

Applicability

• What, if any, portions of the 1910.95 (Noise) standard apply to Oil/Gas?

• Is there a requirement for a Hearing Conservation Program? (for SIC 13XX)

• Only paragraphs (a) and (b)

• What does this mean for you?

29 CFR 1910.95(a)

• Protection against the effects of noise exposure: Shall be provided when sound levels (A-scale) exceed those in Table G-16…

Duration of Exposure per day

Sound Level

8 90

6 92

4 95

3 97

29 CFR 1910.95(b)

• 1910.95(b)(1): When sound levels exceed those in Table G-16, feasible administrative or engineering controls shall be utilized. If those controls fail – PPE shall be provided and used to reduce sound levels with the levels of the table.

• 1910.95(b)(2): If variations in noise level involve maxima at intervals of 1 second or less, it is to be considered continuous.

Hearing Conservation Program

• Must be implemented when employee exposures exceed 85 dBA for 8-hr TWA (regardless of PPE use)– Known as the “Action Level”

• Monitoring• Employee Notification• Observation of Monitoring• Audiometric Testing• Hearing Protectors• Hearing Protector Attenuation• Training Program• Recordkeeping

Types of Hearing Protection

• Expandable Foam Plugs (how to insert?)

• Pre-molded, reusable plugs

• Canal Caps

• Earmuffs

• Not approved: – Toilet paper, cigarette butts, fingers

What is NRR?

• Noise Reduction Rating• Estimated Exposure for single protection:

Subtract 7 from NRR then divide by 2 – Then subtract from the measured TWA.

• For 100 dBA with NRR of 19: 100 – (19-7)/2 = 94 dBA

• For double protection use the highest NRR of the two.

• 100 – ((19-7)/2 + 5) = 89 dBA

Recordkeeping

• As of 2002 OSHA requires work-related hearing loss to be recorded on the OSHA 300 logs.

Away from Work

• Use hearing protection around the house– Mowing lawn– Using hand tools

• Use music devices with ear pieces at a reasonable level

• Use while doing hobbies (i.e. hunting)

Questions and Comments

Chris MatthewsonChris MatthewsonRegional OfficeRegional Office720-264-6598720-264-6598

George B. FlynnGeorge B. FlynnEnglewood AOEnglewood AO

303-843-4500 x132303-843-4500 x132

Denver AO - 303-844-5285Denver AO - 303-844-5285•Megan Meagher x105Megan Meagher x105•Todd Zentner x111Todd Zentner x111

Disclaimer

• This information has been developed by an OSHA Compliance Assistance Specialist and is intended to assist employers, workers, and others as they strive to improve workplace health and safety. While we attempt to thoroughly address specific topics, it is not possible to include discussion of everything necessary to ensure a healthy and safe working environment in a presentation of this nature. Thus, this information must be understood as a tool for addressing workplace hazards, rather than an exhaustive statement of an employer’s legal obligations, which are defined by statute, regulations, and standards. Likewise, to the extent that this information references practices or procedures that may enhance health or safety, but which are not required by a statute, regulation, or standard, it cannot, and does not, create additional legal obligations. Finally, over time, OSHA may modify rules and interpretations in light of new technology, information, or circumstances; to keep apprised of such developments, or to review information on a wide range of occupational safety and health topics, you can visit OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov.